Preston, Lancashire – A woman in her 70s has died after being struck by a bin lorry outside a pub in Freckleton, a close-knit village near Preston, Lancashire. The collision occurred on Trinity Close, close to the Coach and Horses pub, prompting a significant emergency response and the closure of the road for nearly six hours.
Lancashire Police confirmed that the lorry driver, a man in his 50s from St Anne’s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released pending further inquiries, a standard procedure while investigations continue.
Detective Sergeant Matt Davidson said officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident. “This was a tragic event, and our thoughts are with the woman’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” he said, urging witnesses to come forward. Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the collision.
Residents described the area as typically quiet, noting that refuse collection vehicles are a common sight on residential streets. Road safety experts say incidents involving large vehicles highlight the importance of visibility, low-speed manoeuvring, and pedestrian awareness, especially in narrow village roads.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in residential communities and the vital role of public cooperation in helping authorities determine what happened and prevent future tragedies.
